Sarfraz Ahmed never looked like he was going to get out. But it could not last. Cometh the moment, cometh Brendon McCullum.
History will judge how much of a claim to fame having Sarfraz as a first Test wicket is for McCullum, one of the least spotted of part-time bowlers.
With just 11 Test caps, the Pakistan wicketkeeper is not exactly the most luminous name in cricket lore. Carry on at his current rate of progress, though, and he will be better than Bradman.
No batsman on the planet is more productive in Test cricket at present. Which is saying something, even by the standards of his own dressing room.
The past month has been the deepest shade of purple for most Pakistani batsmen, but none more so than their No 7. His form this year – specifically in its second half – has been extraordinary.
Since Pakistan returned to Test cricket in August in Sri Lanka after a six-month break, Sarfraz has made 621 runs at an average of 124.2. His adaptability has been as much of a marvel as the numbers.
Last month, when Pakistan needed to press the accelerator from a position of power against Australia, he struck a ton in 80 balls.
The scene this time around could not have been more of a contrast. His side were staring at a sizeable first innings deficit and, likely defeat, when he was joined at the crease by No 11 Rahat Ali.
With Sarfraz marshalling the bowling with all the assuredness of a 100-Test master, the pair put on 81 for the last wicket, a record in matches between these sides.
In so doing, the New Zealand lead was reduced to a negligible 10 runs in what could yet be Sarfraz’s best effort.
“If we win the Test then I will say that this is my best innings,” he said. “When I came into bat it was a different situation. I had a good partnership with Asad [Shafiq] but unfortunately he got out.
“We lost two quick wickets so I asked Rahat to stay and help me. He did that and we managed to put up a good partnership and reduced the lead.”
When the spinners then made early inroads into the New Zealand batting line up, it appeared to be advantage Pakistan.
However, Ross Taylor, with a sparkling undefeated 77, carried the tourists to a lead of 177 with four wickets left.
“We started the day so well but that last wicket partnership but a dampener on it,” said Tim Southee, who took three wickets for New Zealand.
“Sarfraz batted extremely well with the tail, worked the strike nicely and batted at a good tempo. I think they deserve some credit, but we also didn’t get it quite right all the time in the first session.”
pradley@thenational.ae
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